Finding out an insurance company won't cover you any longer can be scary for families. According to The New York Times article titled, The Uninsured, there are tens of millions of people who don't have medical insurance in the United States. Without health insurance, medical bills and prescription costs can quickly add up, especially if you're suffering from a disability or health condition. Fortunately, health insurance pools, state sponsored plans and federally funded clinics can provide some relief.
Health Insurance Risk Pools
Health insurance risk pools are created by state legislatures to provide medical coverage for people who are considered "uninsurable." People are eligible for theses programs if they have been denied health insurance because of a health condition or health insurance premiums are so high, they're unaffordable.
To apply, you must prove you've been rejected by at least one insurance company or prove that health insurance premiums would be higher then the cost of health insurance risk pools.
Thirty-five states offer this program, according to the American Cancer Society. If approved, participants will be required to pay a small premium based on income.
State Health Plans
Check with your state to determine if it offers a state sponsored health plan. Some states, including Oregon and North Carolina, offer health insurance for families with disabilities, health issues or limited income.
To qualify, you'll need to be prepared to provide documentation of income or proof of health condition, depending on your state's requirements.
Free Clinics
According to CNN's article titles, No Health Insurance? Get Help Here, free clinics that are federally funded offer care to people who are uninsured all over the country. Check with the local county health department to find free clinics in your area.
Prescription Assistance Program
Paying for prescription medications without health insurance can create a financial hardship for families. Organizations, including the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, connect families with programs that provide medications at low-cost or even no cost, depending on your situation.
Tags: health insurance, health condition, Check with, depending your, families with, federally funded
